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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not go to my expensive gym?

133 replies

gaspingwaythroughlife · 05/02/2017 09:45

I got a bit carried away in January and joined an expensive gym.

I am at least 5 stone overweight.

I am useless. Rubbish, hopeless. I do around three minutes and am gasping for breath, in huge amounts of pain and hating it.

I now retrospectively realise that I should have shifted a couple of stone BEFORE joining but anyone got any suggestions in the interim?

OP posts:
araiwa · 05/02/2017 12:32

being fit and going to the gym is not easy. if it was, everyone would be superfit. but it does get easier

as far as fat people in gyms, ive never heard anyone regardless of their fitness or shape complain about fat people. most dont notice nor care

most people in gyms complain about poor gym etiquette- hogging machines, not wiping down etc

Wolfiefan · 05/02/2017 12:33

I'm the same. I hate swimming for fitness. It flares my asthma and eczema and I'm rubbish at it. And yes it makes me crave chips! Grin

Original poster
gaspingwaythroughlife · 05/02/2017 12:37

Haha, what IS it about swimming?! I was the same when I was a kid - my dad would always take me swimming Friday night after school and let me choose something from the vending machine afterwards! I still love punching in the numbers choosing fruit pastilles!

OP posts:
Lalsy · 05/02/2017 12:39

Swimming makes me ravenous too! Whereas more high intensity stuff doesn't.

Can'tstand, if I do a weights machine session, I do five machines (leg press, lats, chest press, leg curl and um, something else, three sets on each, 10 reps each set, weight heavy enough so tired after 10). Then eg loads of squats with a kettlebell or bulgarian bag. But I have found classes much more effective - eg kettlebells, VIPR etc. I can never remember the techniques for free weights or what I did last time, can barely tell left from right and will fall over given half a chance, so find the classes much better - they watch you, tell you to go up a weight or do the harder version when you are ready, and egg you on safely.

hunibuni · 05/02/2017 12:39

OP I felt like you when I started going to the gym regularly 6 months ago and I also have 5st to lose. I'm still chunky (i think, though others say i have shrunk) but my strength and mobility have improved, though I go for Pt sessions because I get bored and totally lack motivation unless someone is telling me what to do. I do 3 45min sessions per week and have no idea what I weigh (my Pt goes by inch loss) but I've gone down 2 dress sizes.

Going regularly has slowly started to change my mindset, so by extension my eating has improved. I've never been able to drop weight without exercising, so I need to be doing something. I gave myself small incentives like buying something purely for my pleasure for every month that I stuck at it and after 6 months I've just bought myself a pair of shoes purely because I liked them and it was to mark 6 months of actually going. My Pt will be away for nearly a month soon and I know that I'll be going to classes instead of sitting at home, because the thought of the pain after a month is putting me off.

teaandakitkat · 05/02/2017 12:46

When I see really overweight people starting out in the gym and looking a bit awkward I go over to them and say " Please don't be intimidated or embarrassed, I might look slim and toned, but I used to look just like you".

(Is that really patronising? Written down it sounds a bit patronising)

You don't know where people have started from, you just see where they are now. I was about 4 stone overweight when I started at the gym. Now I'm an average weight and I'm fairly toned. It's totally possible.

Download the NHS couch to 5k plan and do it on the treadmill. It gets you in the way of going to the gym but sticking to what you're comfortable with. Then as you're running (because you will be running before you know it) look around and see what other people are doing and you'll get some ideas of what to do next.

But whatever you do, don't give up.

lionsleepstonight · 05/02/2017 12:48

Do the gym whilst losing the weight, it helps the skin tone hand enables dramatic weightless without being left with droopy skin flaps.

KoalaDownUnder · 05/02/2017 12:50

Can I ask what people's typical weight sessions at the gym are like?

Honestly, I just do Body Pump classes. I can't be arsed/get bored doing free weights by myself.

I do Pump 3x per week and keep my weights high and technique good. Job done.

Harree · 05/02/2017 12:54

My advice would be to join a class... doesn't matter which one as long as it raises your heart rate, you'll get to see the same faces & even feel like you'll be missed if you don't attend. If someone you know will go with you the first time, that can make it easier.
Well done for taking the first step & joining.
Also, if you work out your weekly cost & decide what you'd be happy paying per go & use that to motivate you to make the most of your investment... (eg. My gym membership is around £80, roughly £20 a week. I think £5 a go is acceptable so I go 4 times a week. Not always for a class, sometimes just a steam & swim. If I don't go 4 times & just go 2, then I do a more intensive class or some high impact cardio & weights before the steam to feel like I got my, now £10 per go, worth... IYSWIM)
Hope that makes sense!

ArriettyClock1 · 05/02/2017 12:58

When I see really overweight people starting out in the gym and looking a bit awkward I go over to them and say " Please don't be intimidated or embarrassed, I might look slim and toned, but I used to look just like you"

Seriously? That is just interfering and patronising. Exactly the sort of thing that would put me off if I were a new gym member.

Keep going OP, no-one will be looking at you. Go slow, set your self small and achievable goals. I find my fitbit helps me keep going. I don't get off the treadmill until all my daily goals (steps, active minutes, distance and calories) have gone green.

Original poster
gaspingwaythroughlife · 05/02/2017 12:58

tea, it is a tiny bit ... sorry! Grin

I definitely don't want to do any classes - I can't keep up and the mirrors give me nightmares. Bad enough in the gym to be honest!

OP posts:
Rachel0Greep · 05/02/2017 13:03

Nothing much to add OP, but definitely think a PT is the way to go.
I joined a gym for the first time ever last year. I didn't and still don't notice what others are doing or aren't doing. Im only interested in ME.
I'm a serious fan of Primark gym wear, inexpensive, washes well and so on.
I worked with a PT, initially, as I had not a clue what to do, how to do it, or what were the right exercises for me. She was fantastic, and explained everything to me, and had endless patience as well.
Go for it.

megletthesecond · 05/02/2017 13:05

Are the gym classes graded for beginner, easy, moderate, hard?

Rachel0Greep · 05/02/2017 13:05

Oh and just to add, working with a PT makes you even less aware of others because you are focused on what they are showing you, and then you doing it.

SorrelSoup · 05/02/2017 13:07

When I see really overweight people starting out in the gym and looking a bit awkward I go over to them and say " Please don't be intimidated or embarrassed, I might look slim and toned, but I used to look just like you

Fooking hell, that's awful!!!!! "What, you mean a big fat sweaty fuck? Gee, thanks oh holy thin one".

Maybe just ask if they need any help with the machines in future.

KoalaDownUnder · 05/02/2017 13:07

Are the gym classes graded for beginner, easy, moderate, hard?

Generally, no.

But they are all adaptable to your own level of fitness, IYSWIM. Just by doing fewer reps/ lighter weights/ taking little breaks.

And a decent instructor will ask at the beginning of every class if it's anyone's first time.

Rachel0Greep · 05/02/2017 13:08

When I see really overweight people starting out in the gym and looking a bit awkward I go over to them and say " Please don't be intimidated or embarrassed, I might look slim and toned, but I used to look just like you".

Please don't do this!

I wasn't overweight, but I was a complete newbie and would have hated anyone to say something like that. It's a small gym, but a quick hello in passing was as much interaction as I would give or expect.

KoalaDownUnder · 05/02/2017 13:08

When I see really overweight people starting out in the gym and looking a bit awkward I go over to them and say " Please don't be intimidated or embarrassed, I might look slim and toned, but I used to look just like you

Oh god, no! Shock Please don't do this.

KoalaDownUnder · 05/02/2017 13:09

(Sorry for the pile-on there; cross-posted with others!)

PickleSarnie · 05/02/2017 13:10

Dont dismiss all classes gasping I always make sure I'm behind someone so I don't have to stair at myself in the mirror. And lots of classes you can set the level yourself and don't need any coordination at all. Spinning, body pump, circuits for example. Just set the resistance/your weights to suit you and don't worry about anyone else.

PickleSarnie · 05/02/2017 13:10

^^stare not stair obvs

OliviaBenson · 05/02/2017 13:16

You say you look all hot and sweaty, but that is precisely what you are meant to be like at a gym! I am probably quite judgemental of those who go with perfect make up and don't break out into a sweat.

Do keep going, it will get easier! I also lost a lot of weight through diet and gym. Your only barrier is you!

Dragongirl10 · 05/02/2017 13:20

Well done for starting....

if you want to lose weight healthily and permanently try the Louise Parker Fit For Life book...l have been following this for 3 weeks now and am 11LB lighter....l have only worked out for 30 mins twice a week (and not hard as l have a back injury) so it is not the exercise, and l have always exercised but still gained 2 stone in the last 5 years.

You do have to commit to only eating her recipes for the weight loss...BUT it is 3 modest size meals that are delicious and quite quick to prepare and 2 healthy snacks....l can see this as a whole way of life for me not just a short term fix.

I have always craved sugar since a child and my cravings have gone, nothing else has ever worked for me until now, though l have had to seperate real hunger from emotional eating because of boredom, treats or I deserve it...no more excuses ! but l honestly do not feel deprived or hungry.

I am on track to lose my 2 stone in another 8 weeks, BTW l am not Louise Parker! or promoting this except as someone who thinks it really works!

If you exercise even a little, just what you can do, you could double the loss. Every half stone will make the workouts so much easier......You have already done the hard part...getting started.

formerbabe · 05/02/2017 13:20

When I see really overweight people starting out in the gym and looking a bit awkward I go over to them and say " Please don't be intimidated or embarrassed, I might look slim and toned, but I used to look just like you

No fucking way!

I'd laugh in your face if you said that to me then tell you to sod off!

jennielou75 · 05/02/2017 13:23

I used to weigh 23 stone and at 5ft 2 was morbidly obese. I still went to the gym 5 times a week. Comfort is important so believe me most regulars are in well worn t shirts and leggings. I used to plug myself in with my headphones get on the treadmill near the tv with rugby on or a good program and walk. I use a slight incline 1 or 1.5 because that is better for my knees. Walk for 30 mins at around 4.5 kph and see your results in calls or distance then do it again. Each time plan to beat your numbers. If you think about it 40 mins walking on the treadmill is better than 40 mins sat watching the same program at home.